Pete Hegseth was flagged by fellow service member as possible 'Insider Threat,' AP reports

LOS ANGELES - President-elect Donald Trump’s Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth was flagged as a potential "Insider Threat" in 2021 by a fellow service member, the Associated Press reports. The concerns arose from a tattoo on Hegseth’s bicep reading Deus Vult, a Latin phrase historically associated with the Crusades but also adopted by far-right extremist groups.

Retired Master Sgt. DeRicko Gaither, who served as the security manager for the D.C. National Guard’s anti-terrorism team, raised the issue ahead of President Joe Biden’s inauguration. "This falls along the line of Insider Threat," Gaither wrote in an email to his commanding officers, citing the tattoo’s extremist associations.

What does the tattoo signify?

The phrase Deus Vult—meaning "God wills it"—originated as a rallying cry during the Christian Crusades. In modern times, it has been adopted by some far-right and white supremacist groups as a symbol of anti-Muslim sentiment. Experts emphasize that context matters when interpreting such symbols, and not all uses imply extremism. However, Gaither’s email flagged the tattoo due to its potential connotations.

Hegseth’s response and history with extremism claims

Hegseth has denied being associated with extremist ideologies and has criticized efforts by the military to address extremism within its ranks. He has called such efforts a "sham" and argued that they unfairly target conservatives.

NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES - 2019/03/31: Pete Hegseth, host of Fox & Friends, at the National Council of Young Israel Gala in New York City. (Photo by Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The AP previously reported that more than 480 individuals with military backgrounds were implicated in extremist plots between 2017 and 2023, highlighting concerns over extremism within the armed forces.

Scrutiny over Hegseth’s nomination

Hegseth’s nomination has drawn criticism from public officials and defense experts concerned about his controversial views. As Secretary of Defense, Hegseth would oversee policies addressing extremism and military justice—areas where he has previously taken contentious stances, including defending military members accused of war crimes.

What’s next for Hegseth’s nomination?

Hegseth has yet to publicly comment on the recent allegations regarding his tattoo. His confirmation process will likely involve intense scrutiny, with questions about his suitability to lead the Department of Defense amid growing concerns about extremism within the military.

The Source

This story is based on reporting from the Associated Press and other publicly available information. Additional background was gathered from AP archives and expert commentary.